CBD For Dogs: Three Products To Try

Key Takeaways

• Vet-approved CBD supplements can help alleviate many canine symptoms.
• CBD is non-intoxicating, but keep all THC products away from dogs.
• Choose organic, high-quality CBD that has been tested with the CBD amount certified.
• The best form of CBD for dogs is a tincture.
• The risk of side effects of CBD is minimal in dogs.

As long as a vet approves of their use, supplements like CBD can help alleviate symptoms of many health issues in our canine companions. Thanks to the increase in availability of non-intoxicating cannabidiol products, people are investing in CBD for both themselves and their dogs.

Like us, dogs have a system (called “endocannabinoid”) that makes the use of cannabinoid based medicines and supplements possible. This network is vital to many of life’s functions, but we don’t yet know the full picture of its importance. We do know that when stimulated, cannabinoids can help certain health conditions in humans and other animals while only causing slight dry mouth and drowsiness in dogs taking large doses.

Animal Wellness Magazine says that “The endocannabinoid system involves physiological processes such as appetite, pain sensation, mood and memory. These receptors are found in the dog’s brain and peripheral nervous system. In fact, scientific research has confirmed that cannabis receptors exist in many different species, including dogs.”

Before you think that all cannabis or hemp is safe for pets, be very careful to avoid giving anything with THC to any animal (this means human-grade marijuana that you can safely take or enjoy). The effects of THC are magnified for dogs in comparison to humans, and when it binds with their CB1 receptors, it creates a very scared and potentially sick pet that may need medical attention. Human cannabis foods are often chocolatey—which is definitely not dog friendly, and the raw cannabis flower contains chlorophyll. Both can cause gastrointestinal discomfort on top of acute intoxication. Always keep THC away from pets in all its forms.

Now that the warning is in place, know that other cannabinoids work differently in the brain and won’t cause intoxication in people or pets. Because dogs have a similar system and experience no psychotropic effects from CBD, just like humans, their CB2 receptors are ready and willing to accept cannabidiol to use for a list of things like anxiety reduction and inflammatory relief.

The American Kennel Club recommends the following about CBD and dogs: “If you and your veterinarian decide that you should try CBD as a treatment for your dog, there are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing CBD oil. Not all oils are the same; you’ll want high-quality CBD oil to have a better chance of it working.

• Look for organic. If the CBD oil is not organic, it at least should not contain pesticides, fungicides, or solvents.
• Don’t price shop. The higher the quality and purity, the higher the cost. You don’t want to go for a cheaper option that could have toxic substances such as pesticides, herbicides, or heavy metals. Make sure your CBD oil is free of additives.
• Get the analysis. The manufacturer should provide a certificate that tells you the amount of CBD that is in the product. Many CBD oils contain only small amounts of CBD. You’ll also want to make sure there is little or no THC in the product.
• Buy CBD as a tincture. You can buy dog treats containing CBD, but the best form to administer is a tincture. This way, you can adjust your dog’s dose drop by drop.”

This is great advice for selecting anything your dog is going to be consuming, but if it’s supposed to be medicinal, quality is key. There are many brands out there, but avoid products comprised of inert hemp oil as this has little to no health benefit past the extra omega 3s. Here are a few that are worth asking your vet about, or trying:

Therabis

Individual packets of CBD, green lipped mussel, vitamin C and other pet protecting ingredients are a convenient way to give your pet the benefits of CBD. Therabis products are available in cannabis dispensaries in legal states, but with no THC, they’re shipped to all 50 states online. This line uses special blends to address itching, anxiety, and joint pain in both small and large doses for different sized dogs. The powder’s green lipped mussel content provides a dose of glucosamine that keeps joints healthy and coats shiny.

Veritas Farms

Bacon-flavored CBD is definitely going to define the future of pet care. With roughly 6.5mg per full dropper, a 100ml bottle of Veritas Farms Dog CBD Tincture lets you figure out a baseline dose, while providing the option for a bigger dose that can sneak itself in treats or a pinch of kibble. In a MCT oil base, your dog gets the calm and ease of full spectrum hemp with CBD in a simple-to-dose format, granting pet parents the freedom to try out cannabinoids with less hassle.

Phyto Animal Health

This CBD oil is a perfect addition to any dog’s morning with a flavorless and undetectable dose. A large bottle of Vitality- X will last months with 1000mg per bottle, making the value undeniable when you realize you don’t even need glucosamine treats or maybe even pain prescriptions. There’s extra positives in this formula, too, namely that it’s cat and horse friendly. This should be your go-to if you have multiple pets. Vitality-X is recommended by vets and generated from CBD isolate versus full spectrum hemp oil, which makes a difference to some people.

CBD can be a great addition to your dog’s health regimen no matter their age, the side effects are limited and the benefits are only just beginning to be explained with studies, with more research being commissioned every year. Until we know the whole picture, anecdotal evidence is the main thing we have to go on, but even vets are getting behind cannabidiol.

The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical diagnosis, condition, or treatment options.

Healthy Paws does not cover CBD oil treats or supplements. However, should your pet suffer an accident or be ill from scarfing down something they’re not supposed to, you would be covered by the Healthy Paws Pet Insurance plan. If you’re not already part of our pack, start by getting a free quote today.